The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)

2021 • 06 42 lobal News India 05.2021 Tzu Chi Sent Love and Assistance to India Source: Tzu Chi Monthly (Vol. 655) Translated by Chung Chin Sei T he second wave of Covid-19 pandemic struck India real hard. So hard that we can even liken it to the Tsunami that struck South East Asia in 2004. Daily cases kept climbing at an alarming rate as early as April. By May, the cumulative cases hit a staggering 400,000 mark with countless casualties. According to expert, the unofficial figures could be even more. As India marched into 2021, there was a relaxation on social gatherings. What ensued were a series of large-scale political campaigns and religious celebration. The Kumbh Mela Festival attracted more than 100 million attendees where thousands communed, congregated and celebrated on the banks of the Ganges River. Social distancing compliance was low while the celebratory mood was high. This, along with the low vaccination rate and the emergence of new coronavirus variants made the matter worse. The sheer number of Covid-19 patients pushed the local healthcare system to its limit. Many patients did not even make it to the hospital. Those who made it faced other challenges, such as the lack of hospital beds, oxygen tanks and other necessary equipment. Many families could only witness the death of their loved ones helplessly without treatment. Performing last rites for the deceased turned into a nightmare with crematorium working round the clock. India’s plight is one that the world should care about because India is a major vaccine producer, thereby causing a ripple effect worldwide. Since April, Tzu Chi staff had meetings with partner organizations in India to roll out humanitarian aid supplying medical equipment and needs to India. The joint effort was not as seamless as before due to lockdowns in many cities. As of April 10, Tzu Chi had provided relief aid to 15 out of 28 Indian states with a total of 940,000 provisions. Picture shows nuns from the Missionaries of Charity, in a joint effort with Tzu Chi, distributing relief supplies to villagers in Kolkata.